Connor Garnett’s Unlikely Pickleball Success Story: Connor Garnett’s rise through the ranks of professional pickleball is a testament to the unpredictable nature of sports and the power of perseverance. A former Division I college tennis player at Santa Clara University, Garnett is now making a name for himself on the PPA Tour, having claimed the third spot in the singles rankings. His path, which saw him transition from tennis courts to pickleball courts, has been marked by determination and an impressive knack for adapting to new challenges.
A Tennis Background and a Unique Opportunity
Garnett’s athletic journey began in the world of college tennis, where he honed his skills at Santa Clara University. His talent on the court didn’t go unnoticed, and soon after graduating, he found himself working in the fast-paced world of investment banking. But despite the success in finance, Garnett’s passion for the sport remained unwavering. This led him to a unique opportunity: sparring with none other than Novak Djokovic, the world-renowned tennis legend. As Djokovic’s hitting partner, Garnett was exposed to the highest level of tennis, a privilege that undoubtedly sharpened his game.
His time with Djokovic wasn’t limited to just hitting balls. According to Major League Pickleball (MLP), Garnett also coached top players such as Simona Halep, further broadening his experience in the world of professional sports.
The Transition to Pickleball
In 2022, Garnett made the leap into the world of pickleball, a move that would prove to be a turning point in his career. Within his first professional tournament, he secured silver in both singles and doubles, an achievement that hinted at his potential. His transition wasn’t just about learning a new game; it was about taking everything he had learned from tennis—strategic thinking, athletic conditioning, and mental toughness—and applying it to pickleball.
Climbing the Rankings
Today, Garnett’s name is becoming synonymous with success in the world of professional pickleball. He currently ranks No. 3 in singles, a remarkable achievement for someone so new to the sport. But his growth doesn’t stop there. He’s just 300 points shy of cracking the Top 15 in men’s doubles, and he’s on the verge of breaking into the Top 20 in mixed doubles.
As part of the Bay Area Breakers, a challenger team in Major League Pickleball, Garnett is continuing to prove himself as a formidable competitor. While his friend Novak Djokovic is sidelined due to injury, Garnett is pushing forward, making his mark at the PPA World Championships in Dallas. This week, fans can catch the action live on PickleballTV, where Garnett’s next moves could further cement his status as one of the rising stars of the sport.
News in Brief: Connor Garnett’s Unlikely Pickleball Success Story
Connor Garnett, former Division I tennis player and hitting partner for Novak Djokovic, has transitioned into professional pickleball. After earning silver in both singles and doubles in his first tournament, Garnett now ranks No. 3 in singles and is climbing in doubles and mixed divisions. He competes for the Bay Area Breakers in Major League Pickleball and is participating in the PPA World Championships in Dallas, available for streaming on PickleballTV.
ALSO READ: Connor Garnett’s Path to the Final at PPA Rate Las Vegas Championships